In Memoriam: Norman Fredrick Sloan, 1934-1989

Abstract

Norman Fredrick Sloan was born on 11 November 1934 at Hillsdale, Michigan. On 14 February 1986, Norm suffered a massive stroke which left him totally incapacitated. He died 30 August 1989. Following an undergraduate degree in Forestry from Michigan Technological University in 1957, Norm worked for the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon, and then for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Minnesota. He earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in entomology and wildlife management from the University of Wisconsin, then joined the faculty at Michigan Tech, where he taught until 1986. His fields of teaching and research included wildlife management, recreation, entomology, ornithology, plant propagation, and biological control systems. Norm was instrumental in beginning the graduate program in forestry at Michigan Tech and served as major professor for numerous students, several of whom worked with birds. He often brought students to meetings with him, and it was obvious that they held Norm in high esteem. Much of Norm's research focussed on White Pelicans, but he was an opportunist and innovator, publishing several papers and notes describing field techniques and aspects of avian behavioral ecology. Norm was one of those rare professionals who fostered strong ties with amateur ornithologists, especially through his long association with the Inland Bird Banding Association. He edited Inland Bird Banding News (1971-1978), served as IBBA's editor for North American Bird Bander (1984-1986), and served on IBBA's Board of Directors. In 1984 he became an Elective Member of the AOU. Norm was a skilled taxidermist, horticulturist, and wildlife rehabilitator. He was reknowned among his colleagues for his campfire cookery. Norm is survived by his wife Martha, daughter Elizabeth, and son Graham. The Norman F. Sloan Fund has been set up at Michigan Technological University to reward outstanding students in the School of Forestry and Wood Products.